BUILDING METHODS
HOT SPOTS
Using prefab methods in high-tourist areas can yield strong results. BY SCOTT ACTON
methods can
» Prefabrication
help projects in tourist meccas
such as Las Vegas.
P
refabrication in construction is
nothing new, but there are leaders
in the industry who still struggle
with accepting and implementing
new trends. Recent studies have shown only
40 percent of contractors consider prefab a
part of their company's strategic initiative despite building information modeling (BIM)
making prefab techniques easier and providing higher quality results. Though quality
control in prefab has historically been a concern, advances in technology and improved
methods have alleviated these concerns and
perfected these techniques across the board.
Consequently, as contractors struggle to find
methods of decreasing project timelines,
6
CONSTRUCTION-TODAY.COM SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017
budgets and disruptions to local economies, prefab will continue to
prove a cohesive and effective solution.
In high-density areas, tourism typically has a substantial impact
on the local economy. For example, according to a recent study by
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitor's Authority, the leisure and
hospitality industry accounts for 43 percent of employment in
Southern Nevada. Additionally, the 40 million visitors each year
make tourism an economic lifeline for the city. Long-term construction projects can deter visitors to local venues and negatively impact
revenues. As such, prefab is an important solution to factor into
construction discussions in areas where the local economy would
be impacted by lengthy timelines, messy construction sites and reduced accessibility of nearby venues. As project teams seek to lessen
the impact of construction, prefab can decrease the timeline and
make construction on-site less disruptive for local businesses whose
economic vitality depends on tourists.